Turning down a vendor...

Short sweet and simple. Thank you for your time, we have decided to go in a different direction unless there was a very specific reason that you went with the other vendor.

That is great Marie... I would simply say thanks so much for the time but we have went with another company. Short and sweet.

I think as long as you let them know their services wont be needed, they will be happy. It sounds silly, but the most vendors I have turned down have been grateful for letting them know rather than them waiting to hear back from me.

Believe me, just say something. ANYTHING! There's nothing worse for us than not hearing back and wondering. You don't have to make big explanations. An email is fine -

"we decided to go in a different direction", etc.... If the vendor asks you why, simply be honest - whether it was a budget consideration, a desire to use a different style, or whatever it is.

It's kind of like having a date with a guy who says he'll call, but then he never does...you're always wondering what happened!

Because we were dealing with searching for so many vendors at the same time, we used a saved draft of an email to let vendors know we're no longer interested.

"Thank you for taking the time answer our questions. We have decided to use another vendor for our wedding next summer. We appreciate your help!"

Ditto what Lisa said

Ditto to Lisa. Just let us know. Personally, I would love to know why. I always am wanting to improve my business in every direction, so I'd love to know what swayed someone another way. Always striving for perfection! lol

"I appreciate your time, but we've chosen another photographer." If they ask why, and you feel comfortable telling them, then you can do so (i.e., pricing, portfolio, experience, location, etc.). This may help them to retain future brides by making changes/improvements. But if they press you and pressure you, then just end the conversation.

I don't know if this is bad but I have only told vendors I have met if we have decided to go somewhere else. Vendors that have only had email contact I haven't contacted.

Anyway, short and sweet - "Thank you for meeting with us, the venue was beautiful. However, we have decided to go with another venue. Thank you for your help and assistance!"

This was super helpful. We met with a vendor the other day who had a great personality, but was trying to do a little bit too much. He was a JoP, travel agent, and real estate agent. He wanted all of the contact information for our other vendors (which was a huge turn off). I just sucked it up and said: "Hi ________,Thank you so much for the proposal and for taking time to speak with us! We’ve decided to move forward with anotherJoP that best suits our style. Thanks again! - Our names"

I feel bad to have to do it, but it was for the best.